Swiss tennis star Roger Federer has defeated American Andy Roddick in straight sets in a battle of the world's top two players as they prepare for the first Grand Slam event of the year, the Australian Open.

Federer, who has defeated Roddick in nine of their 10 head-to-head matches, is the defending champion in the Open, which gets under way (in Melbourne) on Monday. Federer won three of the four Grand Slam events last year, and he is heavily favored to defend his Australian Open crown.